Earth Day
April 22nd, 2023

It is expected that over 1 billion people worldwide will join what has become the largest environmental movement on the planet and participate in Earth Day events and activities. Since 1970, Earth Day organizers around the world have celebrated on April 22 by staging events and supporting projects that address important environmental issues.  This year organizers are continuing with the theme, ‘invest in our planet’, to encourage the partnership of citizens, businesses and governments from around the world to act boldly to protect our planet, our health and our livelihoods.

Schools have played an increasingly significant role in Earth Day celebrations and it is hoped that every child will have the opportunity to take part in Earth Day activities. 

Why Celebrate Earth Day?

• Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive.
• Earth Day draws attention to the planet and our dependence on it for survival.
• Earth Day can raise awareness of key environmental problems that threaten the earth’s ability to support life.
• Earth Day offers an excellent opportunity to examine climate change, the biggest challenge to humanity and the life-support systems that make our earth habitable. (Earthday.org 2020)
• Earth Day can highlight the importance of sustainable development and promote the necessary changes in human practice to achieve its results.
• Earth Day can provide the motivation and opportunity for participants to take action to improve the environment in their local communities. 
• Earth Day presents an excellent interdisciplinary theme for schools to celebrate. 
• Earth Day celebrations give schools a great opportunity to model environmental stewardship.   

Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in Earth Day 2023. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.

For more information and activities, be sure to check out the Earth Day Canada website OR Earthday.org.